Dr. Adamson to offer in-home pet euthanasia

July 31, 2012

SALEM - After Aug. 13, when the website is up and running, look for Gentle Sleep In-Home Pet Euthanasia service to be available in an eight-county area.

Based in Salem, the clinic will be operated by Dr. Dan Adamson, a local veterinarian, who has begun a new service after recognizing a need.

"My 30-plus years as a veterinarian have helped me learn that losing a beloved pet can be one of the most stressful times of your life," says Adamson.

Focusing mostly on dog and cat owners, Adamson said he could probably adapt the service for other types of pets.

He founded Adamson Veterinary Services Inc. on West State Street in Salem in 1984.

He turned over ownership of the veterinary hospital in 2009 and has since been involved doing relief work for it and other regional veterinary facilities.

Adamson said most veterinary clinics find it impossible to find time to do house calls for their clients when euthanasia is requested for an old or sick pet.

It was something he wanted to do and now that he's retired, "I'm now free to do this particular service," he said and recalled a time when he tended to an old Rotweiler that was dying and made a house call.

"There were 10 to 12 members of the family, it was a sweetheart of a dog," he explained and he sedated and euthanized it.

"In-home pet euthanasia allows you to be more involved and comfortable in every aspect of your pet's final moments," he said.

"It is the kindest final gift you can give to your faithful companion, ending their suffering and pain while surrounded by those who love them, in the comfort and serenity of their own home.

"It is my goal to help you and your family to know you are not alone in making this emotional and difficult decision and to provide my professional guidance and skills.

"It avoids the stress your pet may experience when being transported to the vet's office, especially when your pet's mobility may be a factor.

"It allows you and your family to grieve in private. In-home euthanasia allows your beloved companion to spend their final moments at home where he or she wants to be."

It also provides the opportunity for a pre-euthanasia evaluation where further tests might help prolong the pet's life.

The general euthanasia service fee is approximately $300.

"People are recognizing more and more a pet is a member of the family," he said and explained if the burial is performed on a private property plat, people need to make sure they don't dig up buried wires (check with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio) and they should make sure the they dig at least two feet deep.

"So other animals don't dig it up."

In addition to the pet euthanasia service, aftercare services are also offered such as private burial or common burial, private cremation with cremains (ashes) returned, or common cremation with burial of the cremains.

Dr. Adamson will provide service for an eight-county area, including all of Columbiana County plus the counties of Mahoning, Trumbull, Stark, Summit, Portage, Carroll, and Jefferson.

Further details will be available by visiting (the site is currently under construction and should be up on Aug. 13) www.Gentle-Sleep-InHome-Pet-Euthanasia.com and by calling for an appointment at 330-692-1396.